Tech football notebook

Sam Fehoko is spending the last week of Texas Tech’s spring practice playing defensive end after playing middle linebacker most of the spring.

“He’ll play both next year,” Tech coach Tommy Tuberville said, adding that Fehoko could play end “in what we call our rabbit package — fast guys who pass rush on third down, those kind of things. He’ll also play linebacker.”

Freshman Joe Carmical made the switch from middle linebacker to end before spring break and showed some pass-rush potential.

With Fehoko at end, true freshman Blake Dees and redshirt freshman Cqulin Hubert are getting the snaps at middle linebacker.

Comeback trail

Senior safety Jared Flannel’s comeback from a torn Achilles tendon took a step forward Thursday when he participated in 11-on-11 scrimmage situations. Flannel has practiced this spring, but on a limited basis.

“I’m just trying to get my feet under me, get my balance back and my quickness,” he said. “It’s a little hassle right now, but it’s going good. I’m glad to be back this early.”

Flannel worked Thursday at strong safety, joining a parade of candidates who have auditioned behind first-teamer Terrance Bullitt. Among those who have worked at strong safety are scholarship freshmen Desmond Martin, Russell Polk and Don Hursey and junior Arlan Waller. Martin has gotten most of the second-team snaps recently.

Giorgio Durham began spring practice there, but moved to free safety midway through spring, where he’s now backing up starter D.J. Johnson.